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Best Bamboo Pillow Reviews: Adjustable, Cooling Comfort

Danielle Mcleod

When you hear the word Bamboo, the last thing that comes to mind is sleep products made for quality sleep comfort. But that is exactly what many companies would like you to think of, the emergence of Bamboo fiber material blends are now used to promote healthy, restful nights. These have become increasingly popular due to the choice of filling many have, and the fact that the majority are completely adjustable- making them available to a wider range of sleep preferences and positions than many comparable products.

The Sleep Judge Review team has made it a point to look over some of the best bamboo pillow ratings to determine which deserve our undivided attention. We’ve assembled a selection of these pillows to review on our own, and our highest rated picks are found below.

1. Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel-Infused Pillow – Editor's Choice

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  • Filling- Memory Foam
  • Comfort: Firm/Thin
  • Comfort Positions- Stomach/Back
  • Warranty- 30 Day

2. Original Miracle Bamboo Pillow

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  • Filling- Shredded memory foam and polyfil blend
  • Comfort- Firm/Plush
  • Comfort Positions- Adjustable
  • Warranty- Variable, 30 days through distributor

3. Xtreme Comforts Slim Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

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  • Filling- Finely shredded memory foam
  • Comfort- Soft/Plush
  • Comfort Positions- Back and stomach sleepers
  • Warranty- 30 day money-back guarantee

4. BAMBOO Grand Adjustable Firm Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

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  • Filling- Shredded memory foam
  • Comfort- Medium firm
  • Comfort Positions- Adjustable
  • Warranty- 10 years prorated, 30-night trial

5. Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Bamboo Cooling Pillow

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  • Filling- Shredded memory foam
  • Comfort- Plush
  • Comfort Positions- Adjustable
  • Warranty- 30-day guarantee

Our Best Bamboo Pillow Picks

1. Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel-Infused Pillow – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Filling- Memory Foam
  • Comfort: Firm/Thin
  • Comfort Positions- Stomach/Back
  • Warranty- 30 Day

Pros

  • Good for back and stomach sleepers
  • Good for side sleepers that prop their arm beneath their head
  • Sleeps cool

Cons

  • May be too firm
  • Not good for combo or side sleepers

Although not adjustable, this pillow is made specifically for stomach sleepers and lighter weight back sleepers, which is a rarity in and of itself. The gel infused memory foam is a scant 2.5 inches thick, making it amongst the thinnest pillows currently available in the sleep industry. Since memory foam doesn’t breath as easily as many other materials, the combination of gel (which helps draw heat from your body through conductive properties) and bamboo allow for a much convenient sleeping experience than what you might expect.

The shape of the pillow is also conducive to personal comfort preferences and boast both a rounded and flat side. Plus, the foam is soft enough to give to the pressure of your head but supportive enough not to bottom out. See our detailed review here.

2. Original Miracle Bamboo Pillow

Highlights

  • Filling- Shredded memory foam and polyfil blend
  • Comfort- Firm/Plush
  • Comfort Positions- Adjustable
  • Warranty- Variable, 30 days through distributor

Pros

  • Very adjustable
  • Supportive of neck and versatile
  • Can be compressed for travel

Cons

  • Off-gassing upon opening
  • May be too firm for some people
  • Takes time to adjust to

Hailed as one of the original, adjustable shredded memory foam Bamboo Pillow designs, the Original Miracle Bamboo Pillow has a pretty large following of people who swear by this product. Like many similar products, it does take some adjustability and getting used to- and complaints mostly surround it not working out due to personal preferences rather than the quality.

The bamboo fiber casing is not quilted but rather micro-vented to create an increase in airflow. It is slightly thicker than a regular cotton casing, but it is thinner than similar bamboo quilted versions. It is soft and is considered luxurious by both the company and the many consumers who use it regularly. In fact, it’s one of our favorites here at The Sleep Judge.

3. Xtreme Comforts Slim Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Highlights

  • Filling- Finely shredded memory foam
  • Comfort- Soft/Plush
  • Comfort Positions- Back and stomach sleepers
  • Warranty- 30 day money-back guarantee

Pros

  • Good airflow
  • Holds up well
  • Soft, washable cover

Cons

  • Slight off-gassing
  • May be too lofty for some preferences
  • Some people don’t like the feel of the shreds

Although it may look quite lofty, don’t be fooled by the dimensions of this pillow. It was created specifically to fit the needs of those who require a slimmer pillow for nighttime comfort, and the shredded memory foam within is soft enough to do so. Since it is not an adjustable pillow, the filling is malleable and easy to shape to contour nicely beneath your weight and redistribute outwards to provide a comforting sleep surface.

It also may work nicely for some side sleepers, although doesn’t provide enough loft for anyone who has too broad of a shoulder width. The highly breathable bamboo cover is quilted and provides a comfortable surface that can be felt through pillowcases. Plus, the pillow is machine washable, which is a perk compared to many pillows of similar design which aren’t.

4. BAMBOO Grand Adjustable Firm Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Highlights

  • Filling- Shredded memory foam
  • Comfort- Medium firm
  • Comfort Positions- Adjustable
  • Warranty- 10 years prorated, 30-night trial

Pros

  • Adjustable to different sleep positions
  • Created for cervical support
  • Removable fill for comfort

Cons

  • Foam may settle and require redistribution
  • May be too firm

Filled with a high-density, firmer shredded memory foam, the Bamboo Grand is fully adjustable to allow for personal comfort choices no matter what sleep position you prefer. The cover is easily unzippered to allow access to the cotton casing that holds the foam, and although it may take some time to find your perfect ‘fit’, once you do, you’ll be glad to have had the option.

The natural bamboo fiber blended casing is micro vented to allow for an increase in airflow and because of it, the pillow is considered a cooler sleeping product. Although the case is slightly thinner than many of the quilted versions, it does support increased airflow. To see our personal trials with this pillow, please click here.

5. Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Bamboo Cooling Pillow

Highlights

  • Filling- Shredded memory foam
  • Comfort- Plush
  • Comfort Positions- Adjustable
  • Warranty- 30-day guarantee

Pros

  • Fully adjustable to all sleep positions
  • Washable
  • Great for heavier bodies

Cons

  • Slight off-gassing
  • May become lumpy overtime
  • Firm feel with higher loft

Be it fully adjustable, this is a super plush pillow that takes comfort to a whole new height. It has major claims surrounding cooling, and we did find it slept at a comfortable temperature (see our review of the pillow here). However, the real selling point is its overall comfort and durability. The quilted cover is thick and plush, and it allows for excellent airflow through the pillow and the many air pockets created by the shredded memory foam within.

Although it does feel rather overfilled at first, it is still very malleable and easy to shape even with all the filling intact. The cover is easily unzipped to reach the cotton casing within, and the shredded foam is easy to remove (or add) as well due to the size provided for this option.

Back and Neck Alignment

Your neck and back cervical alignment are the most important considerations to take into account when choosing a pillow. Many people are unaware of how influential a pillow is to their overall sleep posture, but the wrong pillow can create a misalignment of the spine which often results in strain to your back, shoulders, and neck.

Over time, this can negatively affect your overall health as your sleep is constantly disrupted as your body attempts to accommodate an unnatural position.

Sleep Position vs. Pillow Comfort

The position we sleep in each night determines which sort of pillows you should be using in order to support the head and neck properly for back alignment. Since pillows are never a one size fits all, first understanding how you sleep is the step in the right direction for a better night’s rest.

Back Sleep Position Needs

Back sleepers need a pillow that will hold the weight of their head in alignment with their shoulders, and it has to have enough fill to help support the gap created by their neck. Thinner, supportive pillows are generally the best for back sleepers, although, those with a soft fill and lofty height are also occasionally good choices. Back sleepers can also benefit from placing a pillow beneath their knees to help take the stress away from their lower back.

Stomach Sleep Position Needs

Sleeping on your stomach always compromises the natural curve of your spine since you have to turn your head one way or another. The thinnest, softest pillows that allow your head to lay as close as possible to your sleep surface are the best for spinal support. Stomach sleepers can also benefit from placing a pillow under their hips to alleviate strain on their lower back.

Side Sleep Position Needs

This is the most common sleep position, and consequently, is also the most catered too within the sleep industry- providing more varied pillow choices than for back or stomach sleepers. Gusseted, or highly filled pillows, generally are the best in order to help the height at the height it needs to be for cervical alignment and to fill the gap between your head and shoulders.

Softer pillows may be preferred by those who like to tuck their arm up under their head as well. Side sleepers will often always benefit from placing a pillow between their knees to alleviate joint pressure and help keep their hips in alignment along with their spine.

What, Exactly, is a Bamboo Pillow?

It’s important here to define what a Bamboo Pillow is exactly.

You can also read more about The Benefits of a Bamboo Pillow and Its Cons here

First off, a Bamboo Pillow is referring to a type of pillow construction made with specific materials. Bamboo fibers are blended with other materials (usually polyester) due to their light, delicate nature and to provide structure. The result is a durable, thick, plush feeling surface that is both highly breathable as well as naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.

The filling of a Bamboo Pillow is typically shredded memory foam or shredded memory foam blends with the occasional design using only memory foam. Most are also adjustable to meet varied needs.

Why Would You Want a Bamboo Pillow?

As mentioned, bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for anyone sensitive to allergens. It truly is a plush sleep surface; even through a pillowcase, you get the benefits of a thick, breathable surface. Plus, when used with shredded memory foam, it is amazingly shapeable and usually adjustable as well- making it a pillow that you can wholly customize to both needs and preferences.

Pillow Dimensions and Care

Because of the nature of bamboo pillows, they are considered a specialized type pillow- often bought one at a time, rather than in pairs. Even though there is a fairly set standard for pillow sizes and dimensions, these types of pillows are occasionally exceptions to the rules.

Read our full review

The rule of thumb concerning pillow size is 20 x 26 inches for a standard sized pillow, x 30 inches for a queen, and x 36 inches for a king. This is to provide guidelines for pillow and pillow casing fits. Most specialized sizes fall easily within these ranges so you can take advantage of the pillowcases you already have.

The loft of a pillow is also worth understanding as it can vary depending on the type of fill you have. Loft is measured when the pillow is at rest, and it can influence how firm a pillow is. Care should be taken, however, not to confuse a high loft with a firmer pillow, as certain fills, such as down and feather blends, can produce high lofts with a thinner soft overall profile.

Pillows also do not last forever. After about 18 months, you should definitely test out your pillow ‘bounce back’ by folding it in half and seeing how easily it ‘bounces’ back to shape. If it doesn’t, then it’s time for a replacement.

What to Consider When Choosing a Bamboo PillowAlthough most Bamboo Pillows have a similar construction, they all aren’t made exactly the same, and there is definitely a quality difference between many choices. If a shredded memory foam fill that provides a plush contouring surface and great shape-ability sounds like it might interest you, then taking a closer look at these unique pillows is worth the investment in time it takes.

What is your sleep position?

Your sleep position should be highly influential to the choices you make surrounding pillow support. Luckily, most but not all, bamboo pillows are adjustable, meaning they fit a larger range of sleepers to proper support.

Do you have any allergies?

If you are an allergy sufferer, then a bamboo pillow may be the perfect solution. Many people sensitive to allergens have chosen these pillows simply to get the best relief possible in a pillow selection. Since your head lays upon it for many hours at a time, it is a good consideration.

Do you sleep warm?

If you are a warm sleeper, then you probably have avoided all things memory foam no matter what their claims are simply because their tighter cell structure doesn’t allow for an easy flow of air. Shredded memory foam is entirely different, however, as it opens up air pockets that allow good breathability, and also the bamboo cover is considered some of the best naturally breathable material there is.

We’ve reviewed many variations of the Bamboo Pillow, and our top picks are below. This is a different type of pillow than what you may be used to, however, and it’s important to state that like all things related to sleep comfort – there is no one size fits all.

Conclusion

Our research of Bamboo Pillows has had us sifting through a multitude of reviews and quality control tests to provide you with a hand-picked list of some of our favorites. Personally reviewed by The Sleep Judge Review Team, the above list reflects some of the best Bamboo Pillows currently available in the sleep industry.

Although many of the adjustable pillow versions may take a bit of time to find just the right amount of fill for the support you need- running your own trials is well worth the effort. We personally love the versatility they lend to all body comfort whether you use them for your head or other parts of your body to help promote a better sleep position or alleviate joint pressure.